The Patrol Division provides around-the-clock police services and is often the first point of contact for residents needing assistance. Patrol officers respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, investigate incidents, enforce traffic laws and proactively patrol neighborhoods, businesses and public spaces.

In addition to responding to calls for service, patrol personnel support specialized functions, including field training, defensive tactics, public safety education and other department operations.

Specialized patrol services include:

• K-9 Unit: Specially trained officers and police dogs assist with tracking, searches, criminal apprehension and narcotics detection. K-9 teams also participate in community education and public demonstrations.
• Traffic Enforcement: Officers respond to traffic safety concerns, investigate complaints, enforce traffic laws and promote safe driving to help reduce crashes and injuries.
• Community Service Officers: Uniformed civilian employees support police operations by assisting with parking enforcement, traffic direction, animal control, equipment maintenance and other calls that do not require a sworn officer.

The New Hope Police Department participates in the West Metro Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, a partnership with the Crystal and Robbinsdale police departments.

The team provides specialized training, equipment and personnel to respond to high-risk situations that require resources beyond routine patrol operations. Team members train regularly to maintain readiness and coordinate responses across participating communities.

The Investigations Division conducts follow-up investigations, coordinates crime prevention efforts and provides specialized law enforcement services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Criminal Investigations: Detectives investigate reported crimes, gather evidence, interview victims, witnesses and suspects, and work with prosecutors to prepare cases for potential prosecution.
• School Resource Officers: Officers assigned to Cooper High School work with students, families and school staff to support a safe learning environment, build positive relationships and address school-related safety concerns.
• Regional Task Force Participation: The department partners with other law enforcement agencies through the Hennepin County Violent Offender Task Force to investigate violent crime and other serious criminal activity.
• Crime Prevention and Community Engagement: The department provides safety education, community outreach and crime prevention programs that help residents and businesses take an active role in community safety. Learn more about neighborhood safety programs, community events and educational resources on the Community Services and Crime Prevention page.

Support Services provides the administrative, technical and records management functions that help the New Hope Police Department operate efficiently and serve the public.

Staff assist with customer service, police reports, records requests, data practices, information management, technology support and state reporting requirements.

The New Hope Police Department provides animal control services to help keep residents and pets safe. Community service officers respond to stray animals, lost pets, nuisance complaints and animal ordinance violations.

Lost or Found Pets
If you've lost or found a pet in New Hope, contact the Police Department at 763-531-5170 during business hours or 952-258-5321 after hours. You can also contact PUPS Animal Impound, the City's designated impound facility, at 763-494-5999.

Pets with identification are returned to their owners whenever possible. Unidentified stray animals may be taken to PUPS. You can view animals currently reported at PUPS.

If your pet is missing, notify nearby animal shelters and veterinary clinics, update your pet's microchip information and consider posting on local lost pet networks.

Pet Ownership Regulations
New Hope has regulations to promote responsible pet ownership and neighborhood safety.

• Household limits: Up to three dogs and three cats, or three of another type of typical household pet, older than six months. Up to four hens are permitted. Roosters, hooved animals and captive wildlife are prohibited, with an exception for one pot-bellied pig.

• Leash requirements: Pets must be leashed or securely contained within a fenced yard or kennel. Pets must be leashed in public spaces, including when entering and leaving dog parks.

• Animal licensing: Dogs, cats and ferrets older than six months must be licensed and have current rabies vaccinations. Licenses must be renewed when the rabies vaccination expires. 

For questions about animal licensing or regulations, call 763-531-5161.

New Hope Police Reserves
The New Hope Police Reserve Unit is an all-volunteer team that supports the Police Department and helps keep the community safe. Reserve officers are non-sworn volunteers who assist licensed police officers but do not have law enforcement authority.

Reserve officers help patrol neighborhoods, provide support at medical emergencies and accident scenes, assist with parking and animal control complaints, and handle other non-emergency duties. They also provide traffic direction, crowd control and security at community events. Their work helps free up licensed officers to respond to higher-priority calls.

Reserve officers come from a variety of backgrounds and do not need prior law enforcement experience. Volunteers must meet eligibility requirements, pass a background check and complete a 10-week training program through the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.

Interested in volunteering? Learn more and apply using the Police Reserve Officer Application (PDF).

For questions, contact the New Hope Police Department at 763-531-5170.


West Metro Police Explorers
The West Metro Police Explorer program introduces youth ages 14–20 to careers in law enforcement through hands-on training, community service and teamwork. Explorer Post #3950 is a partnership between the New Hope, Crystal and Robbinsdale police departments.

Participants attend weekly training sessions led by police officers, learn practical law enforcement skills and assist at community events. Explorers also have opportunities to participate in statewide competitions while developing leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.

Applicants must be ages 14–20, have completed eighth grade, maintain at least a C average in school, pass a background check and be willing to attend weekly training and volunteer at community events.

Interested in joining? Complete the West Metro Police Explorer Application (PDF).

For questions, contact Officer Lee Larson at [email protected] or 763-398-1206.